Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPW Preferred Design Alternative for Projects11 Agenda Item No: Meeting Date: February 17, 2009 SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Department: Publicworkj, Prepared City Manager Approval: W_w&�to ublic Works (JD) File, No.: 1601--T41 01. 16.01241.02. 16.01241.03. 16.01241.04. 16.01241 05 SUBJECT: Resolution approving City Staff and Consultants' "preferred design alternatives" and directing staff to proceed with preparation of the design plans and specifications for the bicycle and pedestrian facilities for the five Non -Motorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTPP) Projects in San Rafael: 1) Puerto Suello Path Transit Center Connector (Project No. 11115), 2) Mahon Creek Path Transit Center Connector (Project No. 11116), 3) Terra Linda North San Rafael Improvements (Project No. 11118), 4) Northgate Gap Closure Improvements (Project No. 11117), and 5) Francisco Boulevard East Improvements (Prof ect No. 11114). RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution BACKGROUND: Context The Non -motorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTPP) is a component of the federal transportation bill SAFETEA-LU (Section 1807) that allocated $25 million to Marin County, Sheboygan County, Wisconsin; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Columbia, Missouri. The purpose of (NTPP) is to demonstrate the extent to which bicycling and walking can carry a significant part of the transportation load, and represent a major portion of the transportation solution, within the four selected communities by 2010. The Marin County NTPP overall is administered by the County, and the local agencies area responsible for completion of their specific projects, including complying with federal -aid processes. In June, 2007, the City of San Rafael entered an agreement with the County of Marin to receive approximately $2.7 million to implement five NTPP projects namely: 1) Puerto Suello Path Transit Center Connector, 2) Mahon Creek Path Transit Center Connector, 3) Terra Linda North San Rafael Improvements, 4) Northgate Gap Closure Improvements, and 5) Francisco Boulevard East Improvements. Funding for all the projects except Francisco Boulevard East, includes the study of alternatives, preparation of final design of the preferred alternative and construction. Francisco Boulevard East funding includes only the study of alternatives and design. FOR CITY CLERK ONLY File No.: Council Meeting: Disposition: SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Paee: 2 Under the provisions of the grant and the terms of the City's agreement with the County, all the projects must be completed by December 2009. Consultant Selection Following the federal procedures, consultants were selected and in March 3, 2008, the City Council approved Resolution Nos. 12437 selecting Jacobs Carter Burgess (now Jacobs Engineering) as the consultant for Francisco Boulevard East Improvements, and Resolution 12439 selecting Alta Planning + Design and Kimley-Horn and Associates for the Terra Linda North San Rafael Improvements and Northgate Gap Closure Improvements. On April 21, 2008, the City Council approved Resolution Nos. 12477 and 12476 selecting Alta Planning + Design and Kimley-Horn and Associates for the Puerto Suello Path Transit Center Connector, and Mahon Creek Path Transit Center Connector projects. Process and Outreach The City received the Authorization to Proceed (E-76) with the design from Caltrans in May of 2008, a few months behind schedule. At that point, staff and the consultants performed studies to develop alternatives that included design requirements, right-of-way, traffic operations, safety, constraints analyses, parking surveys as well as coordination with Caltrans. Two different outreach and public involvement processes were developed; one for the four design and construct projects (Terra Linda, Northgate, Puerto Suello and Mahon Creek) and one for the design only project of Francisco Boulevard East. Terra Linda, Northgate, Puerto Suello and Mahon Creek Projects For these four projects, a list of stakeholders were established and invited to participate in the discussion and workshops for the selection of options and alternatives. The stakeholders included representatives from San Rafael's Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC); San Rafael's Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Committee; the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce; various homeowners associations in San Rafael (HOA); Whistlestop Wheels; Marin Center for Independent Living (MCIL); San Rafael's Departments of Public Works, Community Development, and Police; Marin County Department of Public Works; the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM); Caltrans Local Assistance; Golden Gate Transportation District; the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) Planning and Construction Division; the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG); Transportation Alternatives for Marin; Marin County Bicycle Coalition (MCBC). Stakeholder meetings were held on: 7/10/08 Discussion on different options and alternatives 7/21/08 Discussion on different options and alternatives 8/14/08 Discussion on different options and alternatives 8/20/08 Discussion/evaluation/observation on the field along W. Tamalpais Ave and Hetherton Street from Mahon Creek to Mission Avenue 9/24/08 Follow-up on field meeting; discussion on different options and alternatives Special meeting were also held with organizations that had particular interest in the projects; specifically: 3/25/08 Discussion on different options and alternatives with San Rafael's BPAC and the MCBC SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3 7/30/08 Discussion on different options and alternatives with SMART on their plans and NTPP improvements in the project areas Public meetings were also held, where the City invited all stakeholders and mailed out letters to all property owners, occupantsibusinesses that may be affected within a 500 foot radius from the center line of the street within the entire project area. These meetings were on: 9/30/08 Discussion on different options and alternatives for Terra Linda North San Rafael Improvements and Northgate Gap Closure Improvements 10/1/08 Discussion on different options and alternatives for Puerto Suello Path Transit Center Connector and Mahon Creek Path Transit Center Connector 1/26/09 Provided information to the public of the "preferred design alternatives" and other options based on design criteria, engineering studies, and public input Francisco Boulevard East Improvements East Francisco was divided into 2 Phases. Phase 1 is the section between Bellam and Vivian; Phase 2 is from Vivian to Grand Avenue. Phase 1 was expedited because it was anticipated to be funded for construction as a part of the Caltrans Highway 101/580 connector project. Instead of inviting stakeholders to attend meetings, staff attended the regular meetings of local groups and City Boards and Commissions to present alternatives. Prior to any of the community outreach meetings, staff and the consultant worked with Caltrans to determine the final alignment of Highway 101 and the width of the Francisco Boulevard East right of way to remain for this project. A BPAC meeting was convened on July 21, 2008, to discuss the project options and constraints, and it was agreed to base the ultimate design on a sidewalk widening project where bikes and pedestrians would share a sidewalk. This concept of a wide sidewalk was discussed at other meetings with the following organizations: 9/10/08 San Rafael ADA Committee 9/11/08 Canal Front Advisory team 10/6/08 Study Session with City Council 10/16/08 Parks and Recreation Commission 10/17/08 Concilio 1/7/09 Pickleweed Advisory Board 1/8/09 Redevelopment Citizen Advisory Committee The project was also included in the January 26, 2009 public meeting held for all NTPP projects, where the City invited all stakeholders and mailed out letters to all occupants/businesses that may be affected within a 500 foot radius from the center line of the street within the entire project area. More than 5,000 meeting invitations were mailed out. In addition, plans showing various alternatives and scale drawings of a draft alternative were mailed to each of the 9 property owners and 13 tenants in Phase 1. Numerous on site meetings have been held with property owners and tenants to discuss the individual property frontage changes. This individual contact has not been started in Phase 2 as yet. NTPP Website In September of 2008, the City created an NTPP website to advertise, update, and inform the people of San Rafael about the NTPP projects. The site contains agendas and minutes for the past meetings, upcoming meeting announcements in the form of flyers, and press release letters in both English and Spanish. SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 4 ANALYSIS: Staff and the consultants studied design requirements, right-of-way, traffic operations, safety, constraints analyses, and parking surveys to generate design alternatives. These alternatives were presented at the stakeholder meetings where the needs of the heavy pedestrian, bicyclist and vehicle usage and the impacts on residents and businesses along the routes were considered. Alternatives were generated, discussed and further refined, and comments and suggestions of the public and stakeholders were incorporated. The various alternatives were compared with the Project Objectives, and then staff and the consultants identified the Preferred Alternative for each project. Complete agreement with all involved parties and stakeholders for all segments of all the projects has not been reached. Some ideas and concepts were not included due to budget limits and the timing constraint set by the terms of the City's agreement with the County where the design and construction projects must be completed by December 2009. Some of these ideas could be used in future projects. Proiect Obiectives At the first working group meeting in July 10, 2008, the following project objectives were developed: 1. Avoid negative impacts to traffic levels of service, private property, and the environment 2. Provide a consistent and uniform facility type to maximize user safety 3. Provide a consistent connection to adjacent facilities 4. Provide the most direct and functional route or routes based on the expected travel patterns 5. Minimize conflicts with vehicles, especially high volume roadways and intersections, and maximize separation between bicycles/pedestrians and vehicles to the extent possible 6. Provide the highest quality facility possible for both bicyclists and pedestrians 7. Conform to all applicable local, state, and federal design standards and requirements 8. Avoid any design or operational feature that will negatively impact the current project budget or schedule, including any feature that will trigger more than a Categorical Exemption or require the acquisition of additional right-of-way. Preferred Design Alternatives 1) Puerto Suello Path Transit Center Connector (See Exhibit A -.Executive Summary) This project will provide a connection from where the Puerto Suello Hill Pathway (currently under -construction by Caltrans) ends at the intersection of Mission Avenue and Hetherton Street to the San Rafael Transit Center. Overall, the improvements will include: (1) a multi -use path, widened sidewalk and landscape buffer improvements along the west side of Hetherton Street from Mission to Fourth Street. (2) Class III bike route or Bike Boulevard' on Fourth Street from Hetherton to West Tamalpais and on West Tamalpais from Fourth Street to the San Rafael Transit Center. A segment -by -segment description of the recommended improvements is provided below. Hetherton Street (,Mission Avenue to Fourth Street) A 10'-0" multi -use path, a widened 6'-0" sidewalk, landscaping, and intersection improvements along the west side of Hetherton Avenue. SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 5 All improvements would be constructed within the Caltrans right-of-way. Intersection improvements include enhanced crossings of Mission Avenue, Fifth Avenue and Fourth Street, including a leading pedestrian signal southbound with count down pedestrian signal heads, right tum control, and curb extensions. Other intersection improvements include a high visibility ladder style crosswalks and ADA curb ramps and pedestrian warning devices. Fourth Street (Hetherton Street to West Tamalpais Avenue) The proposed improvements along this segment include creating a Class III Bike Route on Fourth Street with sharrow stencils on the pavement. The existing wide travel lanes will be narrowed to create a 10'-0" to 12'-0" widened sidewalk and 4'-9" landscape strip along the south side of Fourth Street. Additional improvements include: high visibility ladder style crosswalks and ADA curb ramps to facilitate pedestrian crossing of driveway aprons. Fourth Street/West Tamalpais Avenue Intersection The intersection of Fourth Street/West Tamalpais Avenue improvements include restricting all left turn movements by installing a median strip, curb extensions, ADA ramps and high visibility ladder style crosswalks. This will reduce the conflicting movements and simplify the intersection operation. West Tamalpais Avenue (Mission Avenue to Second Street The proposed improvements include the creation of a Class III "Bicycle Boulevard" which will be designed as a shared use roadway with pavement marking, signage, landscaping, lighting and bollards. Hetherton Street (,Fourth Street to Third Street) The sidewalk on the west side of the street will be widened from 4'-0" to C-0". 2) Mahon Creek Path Transit Center Connector (see Exhibit B - Executive Summary) This project will improve the Mahon Creek Pathway between the San Rafael Transit Center and the path's termination at Andersen. The improvements will include: (1) new high visibility crosswalk and related improvements at the 2" a St./Francisco Blvd. West intersection, (2) a new wider bridge across Mahon Creek, and (3) crosswalk improvements at the crossing of Lincoln Avenue. A segment -by -segment description of the recommended improvements is provided below. Segment 1: Path and Bridge This will provide at least a 10 -foot wide path from the end of the existing Mahon Creek Path to the SW corner of the Second Street/Francisco Blvd West intersection by extending the existing curb line to create a recommended 5 -foot physical separation from the edge of the traffic lanes. The existing pedestrian bridge will be replaced with a new 10- to 12 -foot wide multi -use bridge. Installation of a new high visibility crosswalk and reorienting the location of the crosswalk slightly to align better with the proposed new curb extension on the SW corner of the Second Street/Francisco Boulevard West intersection will improve the pedestrian situation. Segment 2: Lincoln Ave. Crossing_ This segment will maintain the southbound left turn lane at the Shamrock Center and reorient the high visibility crosswalk so path users entering the crosswalk will have a better view of oncoming traffic. Bicyclists will also be directed to use the existing shoulders on Francisco Blvd. West. Segment 3: Andersen Drive Access This segment will encourage users to use the existing crosswalk at Lindaro Street, and separate the bicyclists from the pedestrians by installing SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Pate: 6 directional curb ramps for entering and exiting the westbound bike lanes. The main advantage of this alternative is the crossing of Andersen takes place at a signal -protected crosswalk. 3) Terra Linda North San Rafael Improvements (see Exhibit C - Executive Summary) The purpose of this project is to have a non -motorized connection from the shopping center at Freitas Parkway/Del Ganado Road (Scotty's Market) to Civic Center Drive connecting to Northgate One and Northgate Mall Shopping Center. The project corridor has been separated into three segments to facilitate description of the proposed improvements. A segment -by -segment description of the recommended improvements is provided below. Manuel T. Freitas Parkway (Del Ganado Road to Las Gallinas Avenue) This segment of the project corridor has existing five foot sidewalks separated from the roadway by landscaping and eight foot paved roadway shoulders that operate as de facto bike lanes. The sidewalk on the south side of Freitas Parkway is cracked and uplifted by tree roots at several locations. The sidewalk on the north side of Freitas Parkway, which is located outside of the City right-of-way, is cracked and uplifted by tree roots in many locations as well, and has vertical ledges along an adjacent drainage ditch. The existing paved shoulders end approximately 300 feet west of the intersection with Las Gallinas Avenue. The proposed project will restripe existing paved shoulders to create bike lanes between Del Ganado Road and Northgate Drive. To install the bike lanes through the intersection of Freitas Parkway and Las Gallinas Avenue, Freitas Parkway will need to be widened by up to five feet on both approaches. This widening would extend approximately 300 feet west of Las Gallinas Avenue on the south side of Freitas Parkway and would necessitate removal of four trees in the existing landscape planter strip. There will also be a five foot maximum roadway widening on the north side of Manuel T. Freitas Parkway that would extend approximately 300 feet east of Las Gallinas Avenue. Widening on the north side of Manuel T. Freitas Parkway would be into the existing "pork -chop" traffic island and landscape planter strip. No trees would be impacted by the widening on the north side of Manuel T. Freitas Parkway. Existing trees removed as part of the roadway widening would be replaced as part of this project. A conceptual plan showing the installation of bike lanes and other improvements along this segment is shown in Figure 3. The proposed project would install "Countdown" pedestrian signals and audible pedestrian push buttons at the intersection of Manuel T. Freitas Parkway and Las Gallinas Avenue. The location of the pedestrian signal upgrade is shown on Figure 2. The cost associated with completing roadway widening to install bike lanes on Freitas Parkway may be beyond the current funding provided for the NTPP projects in north San Rafael. If, during the engineering phase, it is determined additional funds are necessary to construct the proposed installation of bike lanes on Freitas Parkway, City Staff will work with the County of Marin to identify alternative funding to complete the project. Las Gallinas Avenue (Manuel T. Freitas Parkway to Merrydale Road) This segment of the project corridor has existing four foot wide sidewalks and bike routes along Las Gallinas Avenue and Los Ranchitos Road. The full width of the available right-of-way is SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / PaEe: 7 utilized by vehicular travel lanes, on -street parking and pedestrian sidewalks. Pedestrian and bicycle improvements are currently being constructed as part of the renovation of Northgate Mall, which is installing new sidewalk and a bicycle pathway. There are signalized intersections on Las Gallinas Avenue at Northgate Drive, Nova Albion Way, Del Presidio Boulevard, Merrydale Road and on Los Ranchitos Road at Northgate Drive. There are also numerous commercial driveway access points along the segment. The proposed project would install "Countdown" pedestrian signals and audible pedestrian push buttons at four signalized intersections on Las Gallinas Avenue at Nova Albion Way, Northgate Drive, Del Presidio Boulevard and Merrydale Road. These locations for pedestrian signal upgrades are shown on Figure 2. Bicycle improvements along this segment will be incorporated as part of the Northgate Gap Closure Bikeway Project and would include the installation of bike lanes and bike route marking upgrades to close gaps in the North-South Bikeway and improve connections to the new multi- use pathway (Promenade) at the Mall. Las Gallinas Avenue/Merrydale Road/Civic Center Drive (Las Gallinas Avenue to Peter Behr Drive) This segment of the project corridor has existing four and six foot wide sidewalks and bike lanes along Merrydale Road over the Highway 101 overcrossing and on stretches of Civic Center Drive from Merrydale Road to the Civic Center. There are existing signalized intersections at Las Gallinas Avenue and Merrydale Road, Merrydale Road and Civic Center Drive, and Civic Center Drive and McInnis Parkway. Sidewalk exists only on the north side of Merrydale Road and on the east side of Civic Center Drive. There is a gap in the bike lanes on Civic Center Drive from north of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad crossing to Peter Behr Drive. The proposed project would install "Countdown" pedestrian signals and audible pedestrian push buttons at two signalized intersections on Civic Center Drive at Merrydale Road and at McInnis Parkway. These locations for pedestrian signal upgrades are shown on Figure 2. No bicycle facility improvements are proposed along this segment as part of this project. Bicycle facility improvements may be installed in the future around the east side of Mt. Olivet Cemetery to link to the bicycle pathway that would be installed with the SMART project. 4) Northgate Gap Closure Improvements (see attached Exhibit D - Executive Summary) A segment -by -segment description of the recommended improvements is provided below. The project corridor has been separated into segments to facilitate description of the proposed improvements. A segment -by -segment description of the recommended improvements is provided below. (See also Figure 2.) Las Gallinas Avenue (Las Colindas Road to Manuel T. Freitas Parkway) This segment of the project corridor runs through a residential area and has an existing 60 -foot roadway width including one travel lane, on -street parking in each direction of travel, and a 20 - foot landscaped median. Existing bike lanes end on Las Gallinas Avenue just north of Las Colindas Road. SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Pate: 8 The proposed project will widen the roadway five feet into the median on both sides of Las Gallinas Avenue. This additional five feet of pavement will allow the roadway to be restriped to provide bike lanes while preserving existing on -street parking and vehicular travel lanes. Limited trimming of trees within the existing median will be necessary. A conceptual plan showing the installation of bike lanes along this segment is shown in Figure 3. Las Gallinas Avenue (Manuel T. Freitas Parkway to Nova Albion Way) This segment of the project corridor runs adjacent to the Northgate One Shopping Center. The existing right-of-way is fully utilized by vehicle travel and turning lanes, on -street parking, bus stops, and pedestrian sidewalks. The proposed project will install bike lanes between Manuel T. Freitas Parkway and Nova Albion Way by narrowing the existing roadway median and removing the four parking spaces just south of Manuel T. Freitas Parkway on the west side of the street. Additionally, four parking spaces just north of Nova Albion Way on the east side of the roadway will be eliminated. Demand for these parking spaces was found to be low by the parking utilization and demand studies completed by Kimley-Horn and City Staff as part of this project. A portion of the southbound bike lane will need to be shared with the existing southbound bus stop on Las Gallinas Avenue. A conceptual plan showing the installation of bike lanes and other improvements along this portion of the roadway segment is shown in Figure 4. Las Gallinas Avenue (Nova Albion Way to Northgate Drive) This segment of the project corridor runs through an area with medical office buildings and multi -family residential apartments in the Northgate area. The existing right-of-way is fully utilized by vehicle travel and turning lanes, on -street parking, bus stops, and pedestrian sidewalks. Kimley-Horn and City Staff completed studies of parking utilization and demand along this segment of roadway. The studies included determining the percentage of available spaces utilized throughout the day and surveys of business occupants and residents, completed by City Staff, to determine the relative level of support for removal of on -street parking. The findings of the parking utilization studies indicated that of the 56 total on -street parking spaces available between Nova Albion Way and Northgate Drive, a minimum of 44 spaces (78%) and maximum of 52 spaces (89%) were utilized throughout the day. This level of parking utilization was confirmed by the City Staff survey that found approximately 95% of residents and businesses utilized these spaces and would strongly disagree with the removal of parking. To provide bike lanes or a multi-purpose pathway along Las Gallinas Avenue between Nova Albion Way and Northgate Drive, as has been recommended by others, the City would need to either acquire right-of-way from the adjacent parcels or remove on -street parking on at least one side of the roadway. Based on the requirements of this project to obtain approval to construct from Caltrans and to report project results to Congress in 2010, it would be infeasible to complete the environmental impact and necessary studies that are required to implement this option. As an alternative to installing bike lanes or a multi -use pathway on Las Gallinas Avenue between Nova Albion Way and Northgate Drive, alternative routes were investigated which included SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 9 using Northgate Drive or Del Presidio Boulevard between Freitas Parkway and Las Gallinas Avenue or Nova Albion Way and Golden Hinde Boulevard between Las Gallinas Avenue and Los Ranchitos Road. Installation of bike lanes or a multi-purpose pathway on any of these routes would have similar right-of-way or parking impacts and traffic impacts that would need to be studied in detail as part of a broader, longer-term project. The recommended improvement for this project would be to install bike route improvements (i.e., shared -use roadway markings and signage) on Las Gallinas Avenue between Nova Albion Way and Northgate Drive. The shared -use roadway markings and signage would improve safety along the segment while maintaining existing on -street parking. Northgate Drive (Las Gallinas Avenue to Nova Albion Way) This segment of the project corridor runs along the west side of the Mall at Northgate. The existing roadway has one travel lane in each direction, a center median with left turn lanes, on - street parking, and pedestrian sidewalks. The low demand for on -street parking on the west side of the Mall allows the striped parking lanes to function as de facto bike lanes. The proposed improvement for this project would involve restriping within the existing paved roadway to install bike lanes, which will require restriction of existing on -street parking. Restriction of the on -street parking on the west side of the Mall would not be a significant impact due to the low current demand. Northgate Drive (Nova Albion Way to Los Ranchitos Road) This segment of the project corridor runs along the south side of the Mall at Northgate and adjacent to an assisted living apartment complex. The existing roadway has one travel lane in each direction, a center median with left turn lanes, on -street parking, and pedestrian sidewalks. Existing on -street parking on the south side of the Mall was found to be utilized by the residents, employees and visitors to the assisted living apartment complex. Installation of bike lanes along this segment of the project corridor would require removal of the on -street parking on one side of the street. As this parking removal would impact the adjacent land uses, the proposed improvement for this project would be to install bike route improvements (i.e., shared -use roadway markings and signage) on Northgate Drive between Nova Albion Way and Los Ranchitos Road. The shared -use roadway markings and signage would improve safety along the segment while maintaining existing on -street parking. Los Ranchitos Road (Merrydale Road to Northgate Drive) This segment of the project corridor runs along the east side of the Mall at Northgate and the west side of Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The existing roadway has one travel lane in each direction and a signalized intersection at Los Ranchitos Road and Northgate Drive. There is no on -street parking between Merrydale Road and Northgate Drive. The proposed improvements on Los Ranchitos Road between Merrydale Drive and Northgate Drive would involve restriping within the existing paved roadway to install bike lanes. SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 10 Los Ranchitos Road (Northgate Drive to Golden Hinde Boulevard) This segment of the project corridor runs adjacent to Guide Dogs for the Blind, residential assisted living, and apartment complexes on the south side of Northgate Drive. The existing roadway has one travel lane in each direction and a signalized intersection at Los Ranchitos Road and Northgate Drive. There is on -street parking between Northgate Drive and Golden Hinde Boulevard currently being utilized by employees and visitors to Guide Dogs for the Blind and the assisted living apartments. Kimley-Horn and City Staff completed studies to determine the level of parking utilization and demand along this segment of roadway. The studies included determining the percentage of available spaces utilized throughout the day and surveys of business occupants and residents, completed by City Staff, to determine the relative level of support for potential removal of on - street parking. The findings of the parking utilization studies indicated that of the 56 total on - street parking spaces available between Northgate Drive and Golden Hinde Boulevard, a minimum of 14 spaces (25%) and maximum of 28 spaces (50%) were utilized throughout the day. This level of parking utilization was confirmed by the City Staff survey that found approximately 95% of residents and business occupants utilized these spaces and would strongly disagree with the removal of parking. The proposed improvements on Los Ranchitos Road between Northgate Drive and Golden Hinde Boulevard would include bike route improvements (i.e., shared -use roadway markings and signage) improve bicycle facilities and maintain existing on -street parking spaces. Installation of bike lanes between Northgate Drive and Golden Hind Boulevard would require removal of on -street parking spaces that are currently utilized by employees and visitors to the Guide Dogs for the Blind and assisted living residence facilities. Figure 5 shows a concept plan to install bike lanes on Los Ranchitos Road between Northgate Drive and Golden Hinde Boulevard, which would require elimination of on -street parking adjacent to Guide Dogs for the Blind. 5IFrancisco Boulevard East Improvements (see Exhibit E - Executive Summary) This project is divided into Phase 1 and 2 as discussed below. This project is a sidewalk widening project only; no bike lanes are proposed. Phase 1 — Francisco Boulevard East Bellam Boulevard to Vivian Street. The northbound right turn only lane will be eliminated and the area used to widen the sidewalk up to 10 feet where possible. An additional 4 foot wide area between the sidewalk and curb will be used for street tree wells, light poles and utility boxes. Placing these elements outside the 10 foot sidewalk will leave the sidewalk area completely clear for use by bicycles and pedestrians. The project would also remove non-standard driveways from two properties that are in excess of 50 feet wide, and replace them with standard widths of approximately 26 feet. The reconfigured roadway will consist of one through traffic lane, a minimum 12 feet wide, in each direction, plus a center 10.5 - foot wide left turn lane. The design of Phase 1 is completed and is included in the Rte 580/101 Connector Project construction contract plans. Caltrans is currently reviewing and preparing the project for advertisement. Construction is scheduled for the summer of 2009. Phase 2 — Francisco Boulevard East Vivian Street to Grand Avenue. This segment is currently under study. One concept being explored is to widen the sidewalk from 4 feet to up to 8 feet where possible. Under this scheme, the sidewalk would have tree wells at selected locations SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 11 with tree well grates that maximize the effective width of the sidewalk to approximately 6 feet. The traveled way would consist of one lane in each direction, 12 to 13 feet wide (e.g., to provide minimum buffer with the wall separating Francisco Boulevard East from US 101), in each direction and a 10 -foot wide left turn lane. In addition, under this concept, new street lighting, sign and signals would be placed within the 2 to 3 feet area from the face of curb to maximize sidewalk width where possible along Francisco Boulevard East. Public outreach for Phase 2 has just started with the exception of an informative public meeting held on January 26, 2009 for all five NTPP projects. The ultimate configuration to improve Pedestrian and bicycle mobility will be determined as additional outreach is provided and additional study is conducted. Additional Public Comment and Input January 26, 2009 Public Meeting Approximately 50 people attended the last public meeting including: City of San Rafael, Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM), Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), ADA Committee, Marin County Bicycle Committee (MCBC), businesses and residents. This attendance was in response to a City mailing of approximately 5,000 letters and flyers to all NTPP stakeholders, businesses and residents within a 500 foot radius of the project areas, a press release in the Independent Journal (IJ) and posting on the City's NTPP website. See Exhibit I for the list of attendees. Two issues were raised by the public that have been subsequently addressed by the staff and the consultants. The first was a request that the City contact the businesses/owners Las Gallinas Avenue between Nova Albion and Northgate Drive and Los Ranchitos Avenue between Northgate Drive and Golden Hinde Street to determine whether they agree or disagree with the removal of parking to install a Class lI bicycle lane. The public felt that there were many abandoned vehicles in the area and that the parking lost was insignificant. On January 28, 2009, City staff conducted a parking survey on foot and found that more than 95 percent of the businesses/owners disagreed with the removal of parking and installation of a bicycle lane. The City's Parking Services Department was contacted and they monitored the area for abandoned vehicles and found none. They also reported that parking in this area is heavily used. The second issue raised was that the City and County Agreement deadline to complete the NTPP projects by December of 2009 should be extended to perform more studies and re-evaluate the project alternatives. City staff contacted Marin County Assistant Public Works Director Craig Tackabery and inquired about the possibility of extending the deadline for the NTPP projects. Mr. Tackabery stated that the December 2009 deadline was a set date by the County Board of Supervisors for all NTPP projects to be completed. Mr. Tackabery confirmed that because the ability to meet the completion date weighted heavily in the Advisory Committee's process in determining which of the over 200 projects throughout the County suggested should be included in the NTPP program, the deadline can not be extended. The Project Team believes that it has all of the information needed to proceed with the project design. Letter from Marin County Bicycle Coalition dated 2/3/09 Staff has received a letter from MCBC which includes a request to widen the Mahon Creek Bridge from 10' to 12'. Staff will re-examine the widening of the bridge during the final design. Another issue was to remove the section on Las Gallinas Avenue between Nova Albion Way and Northgate Drive from the project scope of work. Staff and the consultant believe that this SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 12 section should remain in the plans, and at a minimum, install a Class III facility until other solutions are developed in the future. Since Las Gallinas is included in the original project area, removing this section will jeopardize the City's application to Caltrans. Removing this section will also limit the City's ability to make other necessary improvements for pedestrians such as installation of countdown pedestrian signals and audible pedestrian push buttons at the signalized intersections. Petition Letter to the Council from Francisco Boulevard East dated 2/9/09 The owners of one of the properties where the driveways will be altered objects to the loss of parking spaces that back out from parking spaces directly on to East Francisco as this will eliminate convenient store frontage parking. Other owners oppose the elimination of the dedicated right turn lane as they feel that this will cause congestion in the remaining lanes and thereby have an impact on their businesses. Staff has been in conversation with the owners of the two properties where the driveways will be altered since September 2008. In one instance, staff and the owner agreed upon new driveway configurations which eliminate the cars from backing out into the street, but sill allows adequate access, parking and display area. Agreement has not been reached with the other owner. Staff and the consultants have determined that the current practice of cars backing up their vehicles onto the street is unsafe because it does not meet standard driveway design criteria or the established Project Objectives of minimizing conflicts with vehicles, especially high volume roadways and intersections, and maximize separation between bicycles/pedestrians and vehicles to the extent possible, and conforming to all applicable local, state, and federal design standards. With regard to the congestion concern, staff and the consultants has collected data and analyzed the design concept and confirmed that the proposed lane configurations will not cause additional congestion. Therefore, the modification to the current parking access is necessary and the lance changes will not cause an impact to the businesses. CONCLUSION: The Project Team has completed the conceptual design of improvements for the five (5) NTPP projects and is ready to begin working on preparing the design plans and specifications. The next steps for the City are to: 1) complete project design plans and specifications in May 2009 and submit to Caltrans for final approval, 2) advertise the projects for bid in June 2009, 3) award the projects in July 2009, 4) begin construction in August 2009, 5) complete construction in December 2009 and 6) complete and send a project evaluation and report to Congress in June 2010 as required. The public meeting and outreach portion of the four design and construction projects and Phase 1 of the Francisco Blvd East is complete and no additional Public Meetings are scheduled. Phase 2 of the Francisco Boulevard East Improvements will be scheduled, and individual meetings with property owners and tenants will be set. The Francisco Boulevard East Phase 2 alternative development, public outreach, and final design must be completed by December 2009. SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 13 FISCAL IMPACT: All five (5) NTPP funding sources are as follows: NTPP Project Puerto Suello Path Transit Center Connector (Project No. 11115) Mahon Creek Path Transit Center Connector (Project No. 11116) Terra Linda North San Rafael Improvements (Project No. 11118) Source NTPP Funding through Caltrans ($600,000) Safe Route to Transit RM2 ($600,000) NTPP Funding through Caltrans NTPP Funding through Caltrans Northgate Gap Closure Improvements NTPP Funding through Caltrans (Project No. 11117) Francisco Boulevard East Improvements (Project No. 11114) Total NTPP Available Funds Total Available Funds NTPP Funding through Caltrans Amount $1,200,000 $350,000 $400,000 $360,000 $500,000 $2.21 million $2.81 million All NTPP federal grant funds are on a reimbursement basis. The City of San Rafael, as the implementing agency, is required to provide the monies up front for all expenses. NTPP funds do not require a local match. OPTIONS: Option 1: City Council adopt the Resolution and accept the preferred design alternatives and direct staff to proceed with the design plans and specifications for submission to Caltrans for approval. Option 2: City Council reject the preferred design alternatives and direct the Project Team to stop the work on the projects and return all unspent funds to the County. ACTION REQUIRED: Adopt the resolution. Enclosures 1. Resolution 2. Exhibit A — Puerto Suello Path Transit Center Connector Executive Summary 3. Exhibit B — Mahon Creek Path Transit Center Connector Executive Summary 4. Exhibit C — Terra Linda North San Rafael Improvements Executive Summary 5. Exhibit D — Northgate Gap Closure Improvements Executive Summary 6. Exhibit E — Francisco Boulevard East Improvements Executive Summary 7. Exhibit F — Letter from MCBC dated 2/3/09 8. Exhibit G — Petition Letter to the Council from business owners at Francisco Boulevard East dated 2/9/09 9. Exhibit H — Public Meeting Attendees Sheet dated 1/26/09 RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION APPROVING CITY STAFF AND CONSULTANTS' "PREFERRED DESIGN ALTERNATIVES" AND DIRECTING STAFF TO PROCEED WITH PREPARATION OF THE DESIGN PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES FOR FIVE NON -MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION PILOT PROGRAM (NTPP) PROJECTS IN SAN RAFAEL: 1) PUERTO SUELLO PATH TRANSIT CENTER CONNECTOR (PROJECT NO. 11115), 2) MAHON CREEK PATH TRANSIT CENTER CONNECTOR (PROJECT NO. 11116),3) TERRA LINDA NORTH SAN RAFAEL IMPROVEMENTS (PROJECT NO. 11118), 4) NORTHGATE GAP CLOSURE IMPROVEMENTS (PROJECT NO. 11117), AND 5) FRANCISCO BOULEVARD EAST IMPROVEMENTS (PROJECT NO. 11114). WHEREAS, the United States Congress approved federal funds for four communities to demonstrate the effectiveness of bicycling and walking to reduce congestion; and WHEREAS, Marin County is one of the four communities to receive $25 million in federal funds through legislation in 2005 (SAFETEA-LU); and WHEREAS, the County of Marin allocated approximately $2.21 million to the City of San Rafael to implement the Non -motorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTPP); and WHEREAS, in March 3, 2008 and April 21, 2008, the City Council approved Resolutions Numbers 12437, 12439, 12438, 12476, 12477 entering an agreement with design Consultants to begin developing design alternatives for five NTPP Projects as follows: 1) Puerto Suello Path Transit Center Connector (Project No. 11115), 2) Mahon Creek Path Transit Center Connector (Project No. 11116), 3) Terra Linda North San Rafael Improvements (Project No. 11118), 4) Northgate Gap Closure Improvements (Project No. 11117), and 5) Francisco Boulevard East Improvements (Project No. 11114); and WHEREAS, in May of 2008, the City of San Rafael received Caltrans approval and funding to design for the five NTPP projects; and WHEREAS, beginning in June of 2008 to January of 2009, City staff and Consultants held working group meetings, special meetings, public meetings where various options were considered in the development of the best possible alternatives; and WHEREAS, on January 26, 2009, staff and Consultants held an informational public meeting to inform the public of the various options that were explored during the studies and the "preferred design alternatives" based on design criteria, engineering studies, and public input for all five NTPP projects; and WHEREAS, the City of San Rafael under agreement with the County of Marin has to complete all of the five NTPP projects by the scheduled deadline of December of 2009. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Rafael to (1) approve the preferred design alternatives for bicycle and pedestrian facilities for the five NTPP projects as presented in the related Agenda Report on file with the City Clerk, and (2) direct staff to proceed with preparation of the design plans and specifications for the five NTPP projects for submission to and approval by Caltrans. I, ESTHER C. BEIRNE, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a special meeting of the Council of said City on the 17th day of February, 2009, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: ESTHER C. BEIRNE, City Clerk File No.: 16.01.241 Puerto Suello Path to Transit Center Connector EXECUTIVE SUMMARY February 2009 Executive Summary The City of San Rafael proposes to make improvements in order to provide a connection from where the under -construction Puerto Suello Hill Pathway ends at the intersection of Mission Avenue and Hetherton Street to the San Rafael Transit Center. The improvements will include: (1) a multi -use path, widened sidewalk and landscape improvements along the west side of Hetherton Street from Mission to Fourth Street. (2) Class III bike route or Bike Boulevard' on Fourth Street from Hetherton to West Tamalpais and on West Tamalpais from Fourth Street to the San Rafael Transit Center The Puerto Suello Path project, along with the Mahon Creek Path -Transit Center Connector project, will help provide a continuous route for bicyclists and pedestrians through San Rafael's busy downtown area. The projects will close an important gap in the North-South Bikeway route, connecting to the new Puerto Suello Path (under construction along U.S. 101), and the Cal Park Tunnel project (under construction between San Rafael and Larkspur Landing. Project Objectives Project objectives were developed to help guide the project planners and designers, and include: 1. Avoid negative impacts to: traffic levels of service, private property, and the environment 2. Provide a consistent and uniform facility type to maximize user safety 3. Provide a consistent connection to adjacent facilities 4. Provide the most direct and functional route or routes based on the expected travel patterns 5. Minimize conflicts with vehicles, especially high volume roadways and intersections, and maximize separation between bicycles/pedestrians and vehicles to the extent possible 6. Provide the highest quality facility possible for both bicyclists and pedestrians 7. Conform to all applicable local, state, and federal design standards and requirements 8. Avoid any design or operational feature that will negatively impact the current project budget or schedule, including any feature that will trigger more than a Categorical Exemption or require the acquisition of additional right-of-way. Project Methodology The project methodology was carried out using the following steps: • Document existing patterns of use bicycle, pedestrian and vehicle volumes and collisions. • Identify opportunities and constraints within the project corridor. • Place the project in the planning context of other agencies' adopted plans. • Develop potential alternatives. • Identify top potential alternatives. • Public outreach. • Choose preferred alternative. Public Outreach A Working Group was assembled to aid in the selection process and included representatives from San Rafael Department of Public Works, Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM), Transportation Alternatives for Marin, Whistlestop Wheels, County of Marin Dept. of Public Works, Marin County Bicycle Coalition, San Rafael Police Dept., Caltrans Local Assistance, Golden Gate Transportation District, San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, SMART Planning, San Rafael Community Development Dept., Association of Bay Area Governments, San Rafael Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee, County of Marin Dept. of Public Works, Marin Center for Independent Living, Alta Planning + Design, Paris Associates and Nolte Associates. The Working Group had three meetings Only 10, 2008; August 14, 2008; and September 24, 2008) where they discussed project design criteria, potential alternatives and the final preferred alternative. Two public meetings were held on the project. The first public meeting was held on October 1, 2008 in the San Rafael City Council Chambers. The consultants presented potential alternatives, distributed surveys and recorded public comments. The second public meeting was held on January 26, 2009, in the San Rafael City Council Chambers. The consultants presented the final preferred alternative to be presented to the City Council in February 2009 and recorded public comments. The public meetings were advertised on agency websites and via flyers and letters distributed to all residents and businesses within 500 feet of the project area, and press releases were sent to bicycle and pedestrian advocate groups. Recommendations A block by block description of the preferred alignment is provided below. (See also Figure 1.) Hetherton Street (Mission Avenue to Fourth Street) A 10'-0" multi -use path, a widened 6'-0" sidewalk, landscaping, and intersection improvements along the west side of Hetherton Avenue. All improvements would be constructed within the Caltrans right-of-way. Urban design improvements may include improved lighting, bollards, benches and signage. Intersection improvements include enhanced crossings of Mission Avenue, Fifth Avenue and Fourth Street, including a leading pedestrian signal, right turn control, and curb extensions into Hetherton Street at the SW corners of the intersections to force right turns. Other intersection improvements include a high visibility ladder style crosswalks and ADA curb ramps and pedestrian warning signage. Fourth Street (Hetherton Street to West Tamalpais Avenue) The proposed improvements along this segment include creating a Class III Bike Route on Fourth Street with sharrow stencils on the pavement. The existing travel lanes will be narrowed to create a 10'-0" to 12'-0" widened sidewalk and 4'-9" landscape strip along the south side of Fourth Street. Additional improvements include: high visibility ladder style crosswalks and ADA curb ramps to facilitate pedestrian crossing of driveway aprons. Fourth Street/West Tamalpais Avenue Intersection The intersection of Fourth Street/West Tamalpais Avenue improvements include restricting left turn movements by installing a median strip, curb extensions, ADA ramps and high visibility ladder style crosswalks. West Tamalpais Avenue (Mission Avenue to Second Street) The proposed improvements include the creation of a Class III `Bicycle Boulevard" which will be designed as a shared use roadway featuring pedestrian scale urban design improvements such as paving materials, landscaping, public art, and lighting and bollards. Other improvements include sharrow stencils on the pavement and improved signage. Netherton Street (Fourth Street to Third Street) The sidewalk on the west side of the street will be widened from T-0" to 6'-0". L 'w" zii i- o u`me v'"ro' oo-oo-oo L g �' ^rad L o P 10 3� g4� ° `»3 0 i P oL ` y Sg -1 MCI � ffi aid a`� 3b saga oo. o anu�4 ki"-. v € ffi9 a s o 'A t > ffi 3 o pY J 0 o p J m 6 11 11 Z U U W F + HARBGR 5t o r O'er D: m wro $ P O W o a a a Z it NOAG Wo OL p 5 luz J 0 9) $ Z lap < _ + Z O 0 LL.Z w I.- Gwnv R°E F W m O_m�0 sur Lm F. 0 W VNtPN st F ~ J F N N fRPNGlSW B1J WISE St } a 6 f V LL o i 0m 0Ir GURGN v� < d 4 F $ _U: w 3 FJ0zN ao rc z Z Z iti O LLQ O .t OQI- W z ,3 7 CC U Cq 0 a N C W r J $ g t V QZJ V~ w= Z a W a a U) PAIS AVIIA8 Pl w ffi IL LL. O ZWZ WO LL W awJ� Om= € 0 f N F f �F0T o^ v F ffi.. Z Q Z?r`�0 �z a F 04� W a- v d y Lu w mm _ y o m a J f cc V IL O Q F Q W �a 30 v IL 0 a - i W0 100 IL w15 3N3tl1 y p Ic LO OD W +m o W uoi N E H z 3 M FW'- F O + m 0 :3 E a a0c Z a °D O O eYi j H � 2 m o O �� m F O 7r w V O dw + a oCC W ° J o to o ' o =' w w cc - C C F 3 0 (7 < Y w C � o '03W$9d fY//.Y4SYg0 ]YJ/M23(lIW fIW'taV/l9Ydd qY Sp3Y(1Wlf YYlf fi°/OL/9 YSWS YAGIY� tlZtlY2 l3N1YM3 ll3fitl3X'S 131Nf0 'g 3#YJ/SVYW4.iNIROJWJ gp"S3/(ILJYJ LY6Ml)YdC O(SY PNA4NY 1z 31Y0 31YO Eq 35N3.sll pyyllY� m zQ O O i OR W J Q 0z m w � z Z w 'n ICE w O p LL p U Q C) p UC)zz C) z z U 5 z O0 LL Q N 5; [E U) U zi 0 Z Q g zZ�00 co LL ~ a LL z O OU) m IL LLII....II q�b 4 cg a < a, i 9 r > Y- ; � od r [ o� rB9 6. ddRd dVy,M1 Y• M1O 9 YddM1d ^•R. 'ax 901x I . op p. A � xex 81 W U) Q -'u aasavx '80 0x91%Y9 w - "9AV 'JYOH •0a AO09x _ +Soa B 91 a -u xoaneu C: Ya Axry - g K --¢s Taxan � va''re nrYYae x� d° E n ya 11 10 eW° G1+'M1� M `a w a N 8 n MIBIT B Mahon Creek Path to Transit Center Connector EXECUTIVE SUMMARY February 2009 Executive Summary The City of San Rafael proposes to make improvements to the Mahon Creek Pathway between the San Rafael Transit Center and the path's termination at Andersen Drive as part of the Marin County Non -Motorized Transportation Program. The improvements will include: (1) new high visibility crosswalk and related improvements at the 2-d St./Francisco Blvd. West intersection, (2) a new wider bridge across Mahon Creek, and (3) crosswalk improvements at the crossing of Lincoln Avenue to enhance safety. The Mahon Creek Path project, along with the Puerto Suello Path -Transit Center Connector project, will help provide a continuous route for bicyclists and pedestrians through San Rafael's busy downtown area. The projects will close an important gap in the North-South Bikeway route, connecting to the new Puerto Suello Path (under construction along U.S. 101), and the Cal Park Tunnel project (under construction between San Rafael and Larkspur Landing. Project Objectives Project objectives were developed to help guide the project planners and designers, and include: 1. Avoid negative impacts to: traffic levels of service, private property, and the environment 2. Provide a consistent and uniform facility type to maximize user safety 3. Provide a consistent connection to adjacent facilities 4. Provide the most direct and functional route or routes based on the expected travel patterns 5. Minimize conflicts with vehicles, especially high volume roadways and intersections, and maximize separation between bicycles/pedestrians and vehicles to the extent possible 6. Provide the highest quality facility possible for both bicyclists and pedestrians 7. Conform to all applicable local, state, and federal design standards and requirements 8. Avoid any design or operational feature that will negatively impact the current project budget or schedule, including any feature that will trigger more than a Categorical Exemption or require the acquisition of additional right -of --way. Project Methodology The project methodology was carried out using the following steps: • Document existing patterns of use bicycle, pedestrian and vehicle volumes and collisions. • Identify opportunities and constraints within the project corridor. • Place the project in the planning context of other agencies' adopted plans. • Develop potential alternatives. • Identify top potential alternatives. • Public outreach. • Choose preferred alternative. Public Outreach A Working Group was assembled to aid in the selection process and included representatives from San Rafael Department of Public Works, Transportation Authority of Marin (PAM), Transportation Alternatives for Marin, Whistlestop Wheels, County of Marin Dept. of Public Works, Marin County Bicycle Coalition, San Rafael Police Dept., Caltrans Local Assistance, Golden Gate Transportation District, San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, SMART Planning, San Rafael Community Development Dept., Association of Bay Area Governments, San Rafael Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee, County of Marin Dept. of Public Works, Marin Center for Independent Living, Alta Planning + Design, Paris Associates and Nolte Associates. The Working Group had three meetings Quly 10, 2008; August 14, 2008; and September 24, 2008) where they discussed project design criteria, potential alternatives and the final preferred alternative. Two public meetings were held on the project. The first public meeting was held on October 1, 2008 in the San Rafael City Council Chambers. The consultants presented potential alternatives, distributed surveys and recorded public comments. The second public meeting was held on January 26, 2009, in the San Rafael City Council Chambers. The consultants presented the final preferred alternative to be presented to the City Council in February 2009 and recorded public comments. The public meetings were advertised on agency websites and via flyers and letters distributed to all residents and businesses within 500 feet of the project area, and press releases were sent to bicycle and pedestrian advocate groups. Potential Alternatives The project was made up of three distinct segments: 1) from the north end of the trail at Francisco Boulevard West north across Mahon Creek to the north side of the Second Street/Tamalpais Avenue intersection, 2) the crossing of Lincoln Avenue, and 3) the connection to the bike lanes on Andersen Drive near its intersection with Lindaro Street. (See Figure 1). Each segment was evaluated for existing conditions and operations. Key findings include: • Improve crosswalk on 2^d Street • Improve existing narrow pathway and bridge from 2M St. to Mahon Creek Path • Improve crossing of Lincoln Ave. • Address issue of path termination at Andersen Dr. Recommendations The preferred alternatives for each segment are as follows: Segment 1: • Multi -use Path. Provide a 10 -foot wide path from the end of the existing Mahon Creek Path to the SW corner of the Second Street/Francisco Blvd West intersection by extending the existing curb fine to create a recommended 5 -foot physical separation from the edge of the traffic lanes. • Pedestrian Bridge. Replace the existing pedestrian bridge with a new 10- to 12 -foot wide multi -use bridge. Replacing the existing pedestrian bridge with a new, prefabricated truss would be relatively inexpensive and would provide a high quality and consistent multi -use facility. The existing pedestrian bridge could be re -used at another site. It may also be possible to re -use and extend the existing abutments for the new bridge. • Second Street Crossing. Install a new high visibility crosswalk and reorienting the location of the crosswalk slightly to align better with the proposed new curb extension on the SW corner of the Second Street/Francisco Boulevard West intersection. Segment 2: Lincoln Ave. Crossing. Maintain the turn lane and reorient the high visibility crosswalk such that as path users enter the crosswalk they have a better view of oncoming traffic. Direct bicyclists to use Lincoln Ave. to Irwin St., and then Irwin St. to Andersen Dr., since this is a more direct connection to Cal park Tunnel. Bicyclists may also be directed to use the existing shoulders on Francisco Blvd. West. Segment 3: Anderson Drive Access Encourage users to use the existing crosswalk at Lindaro Street, and separate the bicyclists from the pedestrians by installing directional curb ramps for entering and exiting the westbound bike lanes. The main advantage of this alternative is the crossing of Anderson takes place at a signal -protected crosswalk. MIBIT C Terra Linda -North San Rafael Improvements NTPP Project No. 2004 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY February 2009 Executive Summary The Terra Linda neighborhood and the north San Rafael area is a community that has emphasized the development of bicycle and pedestrian facilities as a means of providing connectivity between its diverse mixture of residential, school, shopping, office, and recreational areas. The City of San Rafael is seeking to install improvements to provide safer routes and connectivity for pedestrians and bicyclists in the Terra Linda neighborhood and north San Rafael area. The objective of the Terra Linda -North San Rafael Improvements project is to install improvements along Manuel T. Freitas Parkway (Freitas Parkway) from Del Ganado Road to the Northgate Mall and along Las Gallinas Avenue between Freitas Parkway and Merrydale Road. The project description also calls for the investigation of an alternate route to existing facilities on Merrydale Road and Civic Center Drive to improve bicycle and pedestrian connectivity between the Northgate area and the Matin County Civic Center across Highway 101 utilizing new facilities beneath Highway 101 along the Northwestern Pacific Railroad (Future SMART) right-of-way. The combined project area, with alternative improvements considered, for the Northgate Gap Closure Bikeway and Terra Linda -North San Rafael Improvements is shown in Figure 1. Project Objectives Project objectives were developed to help guide the project planners and designers, and include: 1. Avoid negative impacts to: traffic levels of service, private property, and the environment. 2. Provide a consistent and uniform facility type to maximize user safety. 3. Provide a consistent connection to adjacent facilities. 4. Provide the most direct and functional route or routes based on the expected travel patterns. 5. Minimize conflicts with vehicles, especially high volume roadways and intersections, and maximize separation between bicycles/pedestrians and vehicles to the extent possible. 6. Provide the highest quality facility possible for both bicyclists and pedestrians. 7. Conform to all applicable local, state, and federal design standards and requirements. 8. Avoid any design or operational feature that will negatively impact the current project budget or schedule, including any feature that will trigger more than a Categorical Exemption or require the acquisition of additional right-of-way. Project Methodology The project methodology was carried out using the following steps: • Document existing patterns of use for bicycles, pedestrians, vehicle volumes, collisions and on - street parking. • Identify opportunities and constraints within the project corridor. • Place the project in the planning context of other agencies' adopted plans. • Develop potential alternatives. • Identify top potential alternatives. • Public outreach, which included a survey by City staff of residents and business occupants to determine their level of support for potential removal of on -street parking. • Choose preferred alternative. Public Outreach A Working Group was assembled to aid in the selection process and included representatives from the San Rafael Department of Public Works, Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM), Transportation Alternatives for Marin, Whistlestop Wheels, County of Marin Department of Public Works, Marin County Bicycle Coalition, San Rafael Police Department, Caltrans Local Assistance, Golden Gate Transportation District, San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, SMART Planning, San Rafael Community Development Department, Association of Bay Area Governments, San Rafael Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Marin Center for Independent Living, Alta Planning + Design, and Kimley-Horn and Associates. The Working Group had two meetings (June 27, 2008 and July 31, 2008) where project design criteria, potential alternatives and the final preferred alternative were discussed. Two public meetings were held regarding the project. The fust public meeting was held on September 30, 2008 in the San Rafael City Council Chambers. The consultants presented potential alternatives and recorded public comments. The second public meeting was held on January 26, 2009, in the San Rafael City Council Chambers. The consultants presented the final preferred alternative to be presented to the City Council in February 2009 and recorded public comments. The public meetings were advertised via agency websites, flyers, and letters distributed to all residents and businesses within 300 feet of the project area, and press releases were sent to bicycle and pedestrian advocate groups. In addition, City Staff surveyed businesses and occupants along Las Gallinas Avenue between Nova Albion Way and Northgate Drive as well as along Los Ranchims Road between Northgate Drive and Golden Hinde Boulevard on January 28, 2009 to determine their level of support for removal of on -street parking to install bike lanes. Recommendations The project corridor has been separated into three segments to facilitate description of the proposed improvements. A segment -by -segment description of the recommended improvements is provided below. (See also Figure 2.) Manuel T. Freitas Parkway (Del Ganado Road to Las GallinasAvenue) This segment of the project corridor has existing five foot sidewalks separated from the roadway by landscaping and eight foot paved roadway shoulders that operate as de facto bike lanes. The sidewalk on the south side of Freitas Parkway is cracked and uplifted by tree roots at several locations. The sidewalk on the north side of Freitas Parkway, which is located outside of the City right-of-way, is cracked and uplifted by tree roots in many locations as well, and has vertical ledges along an adjacent drainage ditch. The existing paved shoulders end approximately 300 feet west of the intersection with Las Gallinas Avenue. The proposed project will restripe existing paved shoulders to create bike lanes between Del Ganado Road and Northgate Drive. To install the bike lanes through the intersection of Freitas Parkway and Las Gallinas Avenue, Freitas Parkway will need to be widened by up to five feet on both approaches. This widening would extend approximately 300 feet west of Las Gallinas Avenue on the south side of Freitas Parkway and would necessitate removal of four trees in the existing landscape planter strip. Thine will also be a five foot maximum roadway widening on the north side of Manuel T. Freitas Parkway that would extend approximately 300 feet east of Las Gallinas Avenue. Widening on the north side of Manuel T. Freitas Parkway would be into the existing "pork -chop" traffic island and landscape planter strip. No trees would be impacted by the widening on the north side of Manuel T. Freitas Parkway. Existing trees removed as part of the roadway widening would be replaced as part of this project. A conceptual plan showing the installation of bike lanes and other improvements along this segment is shown in Figure 3. The proposed project would install "Countdown" pedestrian signals and audible pedestrian push buttons at the intersection of Manuel T. Freitas Parkway and Las Gallinas Avenue. The location of the pedestrian signal upgrade is shown on Figure 2. The cost associated with completing roadway widening to install bike lanes on Freitas Parkway may be beyond the current funding provided for the NTPP projects in north San Rafael. If, during the engineering phase, it is determined additional funds are necessary to construct the proposed installation of bike lanes on Freitas Parkway, City Staff will work with the County of Marin to identify alternative funding to complete the project. Las Gallinas Avenue (Manuel T. Freitas Parkway to Merrydale Road) This segment of the project corridor has existing four foot wide sidewalks and bike routes along Las Gallinas Avenue and Los Ranchitos Road. The full width of the available right-of-way is utilized by vehicular travel lanes, on -street parking and pedestrian sidewalks. Pedestrian and bicycle improvements are currently being constructed as part of the renovation of Northgate Mall, which is installing new sidewalk and a bicycle pathway. There are signalized intersections on Las Gallinas Avenue at Northgate Drive, Nova Albion Way, Del Presidio Boulevard, Merrydale Road and on Los Ranchitos Road at Northgate Drive. There are also numerous commercial driveway access points along the segment. The proposed project would install "Countdown" pedestrian signals and audible pedestrian push buttons at four signalized intersections on Las Gallinas Avenue at Nova Albion Way, Northgate Drive, Del Presidio Boulevard and Merrydale Road. These locations for pedestrian signal upgrades are shown on Figure 2. Bicycle improvements along this segment will be incorporated as part of the Northgate Gap Closure Bikeway Project and would include the installation of bike lanes and bike route marking upgrades to close gaps in the North-South Bikeway and improve connections to the new multi -use pathway (Promenade) at the Mall. Merrydale Road/Civic Center Drive (Las Gallinas Avenue to Peter Behr Drive) This segment of the project corridor has existing four and six foot wide sidewalks and bike lanes along Merrydale Road over the Highway 101 overcrossing and on stretches of Civic Center Drive from Merrydale Road to the Civic Center. There are existing signalized intersections at Las Gallinas Avenue and Merrydale Road, Merrydale Road and Civic Center Drive, and Civic Center Drive and McInnis Parkway. Sidewalk exists only on the north side of Merrydale Road and on the east side of Civic Center Drive. There is a gap in the bike lanes on Civic Center Drive from north of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad crossing to Peter Behr Drive. The proposed project would install "Countdown" pedestrian signals and audible pedestrian push buttons at two signalized intersections on Civic Center Drive at Merrydale Road and at McInnis Parkway. These locations for pedestrian signal upgrades are shown on Figure 2. No bicycle facility improvements are proposed along this segment as part of this project. Bicycle facility improvements may be installed in the future around the east side of Mt. Olivet Cemetery to link to the bicycle pathway that would be installed with the SMART project. 1,9 zm m \ oaaa $� � g `�i-\•\ T HIM mC��° 1 V�m>OL �1 ZLmm a G7 9.o $l m Y GO o a< Z 0m mr qFs m i i y a my \ i AOS y � . m D A IO AC nm� 1,9 zm m \ oaaa $� � g `�i-\•\ T HIM mC��° 1 V�m>OL �1 ZLmm a G7 9.o $l m Y GO o a< Z 0m mr i � �/ � i j� �•. �� ;* �; �; �_- — _ _ -- w z a ww zx ww ¢w �� ¢o z a¢ a aro c5 w ¢Q ,� z w FF ¢W ¢o � H ¢d ax �a ¢d E p' W U1 CG 6 w� w c� CG w �. ca z �Q w � MIBIT C Northgate Gap Closure Bikeway NTPP Project No. 2006 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY February 2009 Executive Summary The Northgate area is an important link in Marin County's North-South bikeway connecting the Lucas Valley area and Terra Linda Neighborhood to Downtown San Rafael. The City of San Rafael plans to construct improvements to close gaps on existing bike routes through the Northgate area. The objective of the Northgate Gap Closure Bikeway project is to construct improvements along Las Gallinas Avenue from Las Colindas Road to Northgate Drive and along Northgate Drive between Las Gallinas Avenue and Los Ranchitos Road. The project area overlaps with the Terra Linda -North San Rafael NTPP project area along portions of Las Gallinas Avenue. The combined project area, with alternative improvements considered, for the Northgate Gap Closure Bikeway and Terra Linda -North San Rafael Improvements are shown in Figure 1. Project Objectives Project objectives were developed to help guide the project planners and designers, and include: 1. Avoid negative impacts to: traffic levels of service, private property, and the environment. 2. Provide a consistent and uniform facility type to maximize user safety. 3. Provide a consistent connection to adjacent facilities. 4. Provide the most direct and functional route or routes based on the expected travel pattems. 5. Minimize conflicts with vehicles, especially high volume roadways and intersections, and maximize separation between bicycles/pedestrians and vehicles to the greatest extent possible. 6. Provide the highest quality facility possible for both bicyclists and pedestrians. 7. Conform to all applicable local, state, and federal design standards and requirements. 8. Avoid any design or operational feature that will negatively impact the current project budget or schedule, including any feature that will trigger more than a Categorical Exemption or require the acquisition of additional right -of --way. Project Methodology The project methodology was carried out using the following steps: • Document existing patterns of use for bicycles, pedestrians, vehicle volumes, collisions and on - street parking. • Identify opportunities and constraints within the project corridor. • Place the project in the planning context of other agencies' adopted plans. • Develop potential alternatives. • Identify top potential alternatives. • Public outreach, which included a survey by City staff of residents and business occupants to determine their level of support for potential removal of on -street parking. • Choose preferred alternative. Public Outreach A Working Group was assembled to aid in the selection process and included representatives from the San Rafael Department of Public Works, Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM), Transportation Alternatives for Marin, Whistlestop Wheels, County of Marin Department of Public Works, Marin County Bicycle Coalition, San Rafael Police Department, Caltrans Local Assistance, Golden Gate Transportation District, San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, SMART Planning, San Rafael Community Development Department, Association of Bay Area Governments, San Rafael Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Marin Center for Independent Living, Alta Planning + Design, and Kimley-Horn and Associates. The Working Group had two meetings (June 27, 2008 and July 31, 2008) where project design criteria, potential alternatives and the final preferred alternative were discussed. Two public meetings were held regarding the project. The first public meeting was held on September 30, 2008 in the San Rafael City Council Chambers. The consultants presented potential alternatives and recorded public comments. The second public meeting was held on January 26, 2009, in the San Rafael City Council Chambers. The consultants presented the final preferred alternative to be presented to the City Council in February 2009 and recorded public comments. The public meetings were advertised via agency websites, flyers, and letters distributed to all residents and businesses within 300 feet of the project area, and press releases were sent to bicycle and pedestrian advocate groups. In addition, City Staff surveyed businesses and occupants along Las Gallinas Avenue between Nova Albion Way and Northgate Drive as well as along Los Ranchitos Road between Northgate Drive and Golden Hinde Boulevard on January 28, 2009 to determine their level of support for potential removal of on -street parking. Recommendations The project corridor has been separated into segments to facilitate description of the proposed improvements. A segment -by -segment description of the recommended improvements is provided below. (See also Figure 2.) Las Gallinas Avenue (Las Colindas Road to Manuel T. Freitas Parkway) This segment of the project corridor runs through a residential area and has an existing 60 -foot roadway width including one travel lane, on -street parking in each direction of travel, and a 20 -foot landscaped median. Existing bike lanes end on Las Gallinas Avenue just north of Las Colmdas Road. The proposed project will widen the roadway five feet into the median on both sides of Las Gallinas Avenue. This additional five feet of pavement will allow the roadway to be restriped to provide bike lanes while preserving existing on -street parking and vehicular travel lanes. Limited trimming of trees within the existing median will be necessary. A conceptual plan showing the installation of bike lanes along this segment is shown in Figure 3. Las Gallinas Avenue (Manuel T. Freitas Parkway to Nova Albion Way) This segment of the project corridor runs adjacent to the Northgate One Shopping Center. The existing right-of-way is fully utilized by vehicle travel and turning lanes, on -street parking, bus stops, and pedestrian sidewalks. The proposed project will install bike lanes between Manuel T. Freitas Parkway and Nova Albion Way by narrowing the existing roadway median and removing the four parking spaces just south of Manuel T. Freitas Parkway on the west side of the street. Additionally, four parking spaces just north of Nova Albion Way on the east side of the roadway will be eliminated. Demand for these parking spaces was found to be low by the parking utilization and demand studies completed by Kimley-Horn and City Staff as part of this project. A portion of the southbound bike lane will need to be shared with the existing southboundbus stop on Las Galfinas Avenue. A conceptual plan showing the installation of bike lanes and other improvements along this portion of the roadway segment is shown in Figure 4. Las Gallinas Avenue (Nova Albion Way to Northgate Drive) This segment of the project corridor runs through an area with medical office buildings and mull -family residential apartments in the Northgate area. The existing right-of-way is fully utilized by vehicle travel and turning lanes, on -street parking, bus stops, and pedestrian sidewalks. U Kimley-Horn and City Staff completed studies of parking utilization and demand along this segment of �+ roadway. The studies included determining the percentage of available spaces utilized throughout the day and surveys of business occupants and residents, completed by City Staff, to determine the relative level of support for removal of on -street parking. The findings of the parking utilization studies indicated that of the 56 total on -street parking spaces available between Nova Albion Way and Northgate Drive, a minimum of 44 spaces (78%) and maximum of 52 spaces (89%) were utilized throughout the day. This level of parking utilization was confirmed by the City Staff survey that found approximately 95% of residents and businesses utilized these spaces and would strongly disagree with the removal of parking. To provide bike lanes or a multi-purpose pathway along Las Gallinas Avenue between Nova Albion Way and Northgate Drive, as has been recommended by others, the City would need to either acquire right-of-way from the adjacent parcels or remove on -street parking on at least one side of the roadway. Based on the requirements of this project to obtain approval to construct from Caltrans and to report project results to Congress in 2010, it would be infeasible to complete the environmental impact and necessary studies that are required to implement this option. As an alternative to installing bike lanes or a multi -use pathway on Las Gallinas Avenue between Nova Albion Way and Northgate Drive, alternative routes were investigated which included using Northgate Drive or Del Presidio Boulevard between Freitas Parkway and Las Gallinas Avenue or Nova Albion Way and Golden Hinde Boulevard between Las Gallinas Avenue and Los Ranchitos Road. Installation of bike lanes or a multi-purpose pathway on any of these routes would have similar right-of-way or parking impacts and traffic impacts that would need to be studied in detail as part of a broader, longer-term project. The recommended improvement for this project would be to install bike route improvements (i.e., shared -use roadway markings and signage) on Las Gallinas Avenue between Nova Albion Way and Northgate Drive. The shared -use roadway markings and signage would improve safety along the segment while maintaining existing on street parking. Northgate Drive (Las Gallinas Avenue to Nova Albion Way) This segment of the project corridor runs along the west side of the Mall at Northgate. The existing roadway has one travel lane in each direction, a center median with left tum lanes, on -street parking, and pedestrian sidewalks. The low demand for on -street parking on the west side of the Mall allows the striped parking lanes to function as de facto bike lanes. The proposed improvement for this project would involve restriping within the existing paved roadway to install bike lanes, which will require restriction of existing on -street parking. Restriction of the on -street parking on the west side of the Mall would not be a significant impact due to the low current demand. Northgate Drive (Nova Albion Way to Los Ranchitos Road) This segment of the project corridor runs along the south side of the Mall at Northgate and adjacent to an assisted living apartment complex. The existing roadway has one travel lane in each direction, a center / median with left turn lanes, on -street parking, and pedestrian sidewalks. Existing on street parking on the south side of the Mall was found to be utilized by the residents, employees and visitors to the assisted living apartment complex. Installation of bike lanes along this segment of the project corridor would require removal of the on -street parking on one side of the street. As this parking removal would impact the adjacent land uses, the proposed improvement for this project would be to install bike route improvements (i.e., shared -use roadway markings and signage) on Northgate Drive between Nova Albion Way and Los Ranchitos Road. The shared -use roadway markings and signage would improve safety along the segment while maintaining existing on -street parking. Los Ranchitos Road (Merrydale Road to Northgate Drive) This segment of the project corridor runs along the east side of the Mall at Northgate and the west side of Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The existing roadway has one travel lane in each direction and a signalized intersection I at Los Ranchitos Road and Northgate Drive. There is no on -street parking between Merrydale Road and (/ Northgate Drive. The proposed improvements on Los Ranchitos Road between Merrydale Drive and Northgate Drive would involve restriping within the existing paved roadway to install bike lanes. Los Ranchitos Road (Northgate Drive to Golden Hinde Boulevard) This segment of the project corridor runs adjacent to Guide Dogs for the Blind, residential assisted living, and apartment complexes on the south side of Northgate Drive. The existing roadway has one travel lane in each direction and a signalized intersection at Los Ranchitos Road and Northgate Drive. There is on -street parking between Northgate Drive and Golden Hinde Boulevard currently being utilized by employees and V1�visitors to Guide Dogs for the Blind and the assisted living apartments. ICimley-Horn and City Staff completed studies to determine the level of parking utilization and demand along this segment of roadway. The studies included determining the percentage of available spaces utilized throughout the day and surveys of business occupants and residents, completed by City Staff, to determine the relative level of support for potential removal of on -street parking. The findings of the parking utilization studies indicated that of the 56 total on -street parking spaces available between Northgate Drive and Golden Hinde Boulevard, a minimum of 14 spaces (25%) and maximum of 28 spaces (50%) were utilized throughout the day. This level of parking utilization was confirmed by the City Staff survey that found approximately 95% of residents and business occupants utilized these spaces and would strongly disagree with the removal of parking. The proposed improvements on Los Ranchitos Road between Northgate Drive and Golden Hinde Boulevard would include bike route improvements (i.e., shared -use roadway markings and signage) improve bicycle facilides and maintain existing on -street parking spaces. Installation of bike lanes between Northgate Drive and Golden Hind Boulevard would require removal of on -street parking spaces that are currently utilized by employees and visitors to the Guide Dogs for the Blind and assisted living residence facilities. Figure 5 shows a concept plan to install bike lanes on Los Ranchitos Road between Northgate Drive and Golden Hinde Boulevard, which would require elimination of on -street parking adjacent to Guide Dogs for the Blind. J W W z S 2<2 pF�K.cdz a9 W Sm o cwc Q < ¢ W mro'o i� IL F0 rc2d �ZI W�0� �ZQa s. 0 xo 0 3 mo J wall u jWZw rc wa M,Fowm� m MZD:,.. J W W z S 2<2 pF�K.cdz a9 W Sm o cwc Q < ¢ W mro'o i� IL F0 rc2d �ZI W�0� �ZQa <� 0 xo 0 s | |)| �2| |■■l,ap\�� El . o Lu u ui cc 0 cr &§d ° uj E Hi mod IL 2% J� LAS COUNDAS ROAD LEGEND FIGURE 3 — LAS GALLINAS AVENUE cxnvx�c scnis FREITAS PARKWAY TO LAS COLINDAS ROAD ,„m, �L� W Aeeochroa Fc --------------------y - PARKWAY- n Oif II if �L� W Aeeochroa Fc if u i m I, m� � I moq �L� W Aeeochroa Fc FIGURE 5: LOS RANCHITOS ROAD - NORTHGATE DRIVE crarx,c SCa TO GOLDEN HINDE BOULEVARD EXEIIBIT E Francisco Boulevard East Improvements NTPP Project No. 2000 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY February 2009 Executive Summary Francisco Boulevard East is a critical arterial street that connects Grand Avenue to the north and provides access to the downtown San Rafael for residences south of the San Rafael Creek and east of the Highway 101 and Route 580 freeways. It is used by motorists traveling north/south through the city, accessing businesses along East Francisco, accessing portions of the Canal neighborhood, and often to bypass congestion at the Highway 101 /Route 580 interchange. In addition, pedestrians and bicyclists use Francisco Boulevard East to access key destinations throughout the city, and to travel to Bellam Boulevard. Bellam Boulevard is one of the few freeway undercrossings in the area and it serves as a major east west arterial The objective of the Francisco Boulevard East Project is to provide safer access for pedestrians and bicyclists. The improvement will widen sidewalks and modify the traveled way striping as described below. Phase 1— Bellam Boulevard to Vivian Street. The sidewalk will be widened from approximately 4 feet to 9 feet or 10 feet were possible. The sidewalk will have tree wells at selected locations and a 4 feet wide strip that separates the traveled way from the sidewalk. The traveled way will consist of one through traffic lane, a minimum 12 feet wide, in each direction, plus a center 10.5 -foot wide left turn lane. The design of Phase 1 is completed and is included in the Rte 580/101 Connector Project construction contract plans. Caltrans is currently reviewing and preparing the project for advertisement. Construction is scheduled for the Summer of 2009. Phase 2 — Vivian Street to Grand Avenue. This segment is currently under study. One concept being explored is to widen the sidewalk from 4 feet to up to 8 feet where possible. Under this scheme, the sidewalk would have tree wells at selected locations with tree well grates that maximize the effective width of the sidewalk to approximately 6 feet. The traveled way would consist of one lane in each direction, 12 to 13 feet wide (e.g., to provide minimum buffer with the wall separating Francisco Boulevard East from US 101), in each direction and a 10 -foot wide left turn lane. In addition, under this concept, new street lighting, sign and signals would be placed within the 2 to 3 feet area from the face of curb to maximize sidewalk width were possible along Francisco Boulevard East. The public outreach for Phase 2 is commencing. The ultimate configuration to improve pedestrian and bicycle mobility will be determined as additional outreach is provided and additional study is conducted. Project Objectives Project objectives were developed to help guide the project planners and designers, and include: Avoid negative impacts to: traffic levels of service, private properties, and the environment. 2. Provide a consistent and uniform facility type to maximize user safety 3. Provide a consistent connection to adjacent facilities 4. Provide the most direct and functional route or routes based on the expected travel patterns 5. Minimize conflicts with vehicles, especially high volume roadways and intersections, and maximize separation between bicycles/pedestrians and vehicles to the extent possible 6. Provide the highest quality facility possible for both bicyclists and pedestrians 7. Conform to all applicable local, state, and federal design standards and requirements were possible 8. Avoid any design or operational feature that will negatively impact the current project budget or schedule, including any feature that will trigger more than a Categorical Exemption or require the acquisition of additional right-of-way. Project Methodology The project methodology was carried out using the following steps: • Identify opportunities and constraints within the project corridor. • Identify right of way line along Francisco East Boulevard and constraints • Met with Caltrans to explore options • Document existing patterns of use for bicycles, pedestrians, vehicle volumes, collisions and on street parking. • Place the project in the planning context of other agencies' adopted plans. • Develop potential alternatives based on physical and right of way limitations • Identify top potential alternatives. • Public outreach, which included a survey by City staff of residents and business occupants to determine their level of support for potential removal of on -street parking. • Choose preferred alternative. Public Outreach Phase 1 was developed under a fast track schedule in order for the improvements to be included in the CMIA funded 580/101 Connector Project that is sponsored by TAM. Public Outreach included open house map display for the Rte 580/101 project and the recommended sidewalk improvements along Bellam and Francisco Boulevard East. hi addition, several outreach meetings where conducted with Caltrans in 2007 to explore various alternatives for Francisco Boulevard East. In addition, a stakeholder meeting was held on July 21, 2008. Participants included representatives from the San Rafael Department of Public Works, Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM), Transportation Alternatives of Marin, Marin County Bicycle Coalition, San Rafael Community Development Department, San Rafael Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and Marin Center for Independent Living. At this meeting, all of the above representatives concurred with the proposed Phase 1 sidewalk widening. As discussed above, Phase 2 will include more discussions with business and property owners along Francisco Boulevard East and more stakeholders participating regarding sidewalk widths, frontage requirements, landscaping, driveway access, and construction staging. Alternative Analysis An analysis of the cross-section of Francisco Boulevard East confirmed that there are limited options because of the very constrained right-of-way and developed businesses along this street corridor. The portion of Francisco Boulevard East north of Harbor Street is in Caltrans right-of- way. On the west side of Francisco Boulevard East is the freeway, and on the east side is private and commercial businesses and developments. There is also a pump facility and utilities along the sea wall cross the San Rafael Creek. The Caltrans freeway concrete barrier that was under construction is now completed and was built along the right-of-way line along most of the street. At some spot location the concrete barrier encourages into the street. Because of right-of-way limitations, the standard outer separation space requirement between the freeway and the city street is already nonstandard. Any widening of Francisco Boulevard East must occur on the east side and will require costly rights of way acquisition. Many other design considerations include lane widths, turning lanes to accommodate the business, bicyclist, pedestrians, underground utilities, surface and underground drainage, street lighting, street signing, fire hydrants, landscaping, grade difference between the street and the business, and most importantly working with the stakeholders that are impacted during construction and by the project. A Class 2 bicycle facility could not be accommodated unless the left turn lane is removed and this would impact travel flow, congestion, access and safety along Francisco Boulevard East. Recommendations Widening the sidewalk to the west (toward the freeway) appears to be the most prudent approach for addressing the pedestrian and bicyclists needs along Francisco Boulevard East. Further stakeholder outreach will be conducted in Phase 2 to determine and refine the ultimate design. 311V1d 31Y0 V - U -VV / o m� 0 p NrOo a p P O w; kr �c lc a i 4k U agsi x �o< ` : kk aat g 0 u a $ s < O sK o 3 o pi J m = N_ Ou W r 0 NW st < O 9 r U + LL > Li BCW m. Y NOPO Ny8 O O U 5 W �F V-.tlE 3 ul a O y 0 � J Q G< 0 4 LL Z O 0LL2 zw aaea J Q m .- O oMN J Y < 0 L m QW tv1Nx st 3 o s F- 4 a F j F m w Fxnxctsco elv �Ox15£ st O LL - C> > U.0 o + _ Q m 0 0 00N°x st N ro <aLL a ¢E. _� 3 0Zy a� _LLQ O = OQrOw � z rc i owc_j LL g W N we U ~ w Z Z ¢ W Q< Pn18 14tl3130IL cc ml wQ W au, _ o 9 r y F F, 0 o g 90 z i ~ O y 0 o m J mm a cc fO ~ y 0 w< J V LL Q o o a W a CL W O 00 O 0 a ^ W 15 3N381 y. O 0 Q'' to CD W ±m p+ a W U) a) E r W % O = F O } m O r E a Ir O 3 z m U)� 00 W z so 0 0 om w + Ic M 4 d J r < o m x + o ^ ;s wo F Y U Ic 8 z - v o i- On ~ : '03RU44Y SY/1M/YGO IY.1/Mpy fYH( 6YY 531/LM'dd 0.Y 5'pyYtlYYlS 3fYf5 60/OF/B OSWS YMIY� YZ6WZ l3M1NY1W3 j13UO3M'S l3INY4 3MYJ/iVY H/43AYI1WJ.P)ON S3/!/yJYf 3(YIS XJ IJYdON SY H;fPYiIY �531YN 33Y04w335X3]�l IStlMO Nf15305Mtl1Ti tl3Yv1�X3 X�Ix301XYaln3Aw Z r-) 0 rr z ❑ U J 7) cc O ow"J OCO p LL �> N p U QU U z a W QQs' O Cn O U) QCi C) 0 a - g z z 0 n 0 h LL a LL H Z oU o a 'tlx W. Y • �A, Q wit c P --u xoxarx m LL ya axasxve anv orxx -aa xrmxn �o J a se xoanau i Id Am Ill o $ o� n '-'1610tl91 bnt4 FYf98B ®5 3� b $ •l�gn "0. a R f w u i � b ` w �ub 80 jig s a Yk aw go S �� Gd A Pil b P� i® l0 'tlx W. Y • �A, Q wit c P --u xoxarx m LL ya axasxve anv orxx -aa xrmxn �o J a se xoanau i Id Am Ill o $ o� n '-'1610tl91 bnt4 FYf98B ®5 3� b $ •l�gn "0. a R f w u i EXHIBIT F MARIN.C,OUNTY-. BICYCLE C©ALiTION , www m att n b Ike; oirk, February 3, 2008 Mr. Nader Mansourian San Rafael Department of Public Works 111 Morphew Street San Rafael, CA, 94941 RE: North and Central San Rafael Improvements, East Francisco Boulevard. Dear Mr. Mansourian: The Marin County Bicycle Coalition (MCBC) and Transportation Alternatives for Marin (TAM) are writing to follow up after the public meeting on Monday, January 261h, 2009 at city hall for the Non -Motorized Transportation Pilot Program ("NTPP") pedestrian and bicycle improvements for North and Central San Rafael, and a tour of the central San Rafael projects on the afternoon of Thursday, January 29, 2009 with Mr. Mansourian and Mayor Boro. We appreciate the City of San Rafael's diligent work on these projects, and your dialog with stakeholders. The Transit Center connector project is part of the North-South Greenway, and will connect the Puerto Suello hill pathway and the Cal Park Hill Tunnel, which are both currently under construction. The Terra Linda projects represent key components of the North-South Bikeway and the Northgate Promenade. Both projects will be heavily used by bicyclists and pedestrians when they are completed, which is why MCBC and TAM want to work with you to ensure that we can achieve the best designs in terms of safety and future demand for non -motorized travel. Additionally, the East Francisco Boulevard Project is a critical project to provide safe access between the Canal and downtown San Rafael. We understand that the City of San Rafael has been operating under time constraints dictated by the County of Marin. It is our understanding that these time constraints were not imposed by Congress and could possibly be relaxed if the City of San Rafael specifically asked the County of Marin for an extension. Dan Dawson from the County confirmed this in the January 26th, 2009 public meeting. We are making the following updated recommendations for the different sections of the NTPP projects being considered in San Rafael at your February 17 meeting. These revised recommendations are based upon the preferred alternatives shown by Alta at the January 26111, 2009 Public Meeting and the walking tour on January 29, 2009. A. Central San Rafael (Mission to Mahon Creels "North South Greenway San Rafael Transit Center Passage") 1. Second Street to Andersen Drive The public, the MCBC, and Transportation Alternatives for Marin concur that the preferred proposal for the North South Greenway from the corner of West Francisco and Second Street south to Anderson Drive is fine, as proposed by the City. Our primary comment for this project section is that the new pedestrian bike bridge crossing the Mahon Creek should be 12' wide instead of 10' wide. The balance of the Mahon Creek Path is 12' wide. We recommend that the old bridge be reused in San Rafael to connect Canyon Oak Drive over the creek to the Miller Creek Road/Lucas Valley Road intersection.) At this critical intersection as much space as possible should be provided to make it safe for non -motorized travelers in this area. Accordingly, we recommend a 12' wide creek crossing. We recommend moving toward construction of this section once the bridge width issue is finalized. Please also ensure a curb cut and proper signage/routing for bicyclists who are entering or leaving that pathway at Anderson. 2. Second Street to Mission Avenue a. Hetherton Alternative While we believe that the West Tamalpais option is the safest and the best alternative for non -motorized travelers, we were impressed with the city's presentation at the January 26th, 2009 public meeting, and understand that the city will move forward with Heatherton. Our biggest concerns revolve around safety at intersections, particularly on green lights in the southbound direction for cars making a right off of Hetherton, as well as for cars on Mission, 5th and 4th making right turns onto Hetherton. To increase safety for bicyclists and pedestrians moving through these intersections, we recommend: dedicated bicycle traffic light signals at all intersections on Hetherton as designated by the MUTCD, so that the bicycle signal will turn red when the automobiles are enabled to make right turns. There should be no overlap in turning movements restricting right turns from Mission, 5th, and 4th on to Hetherton in order to reduce potential conflicts and/or cars sitting in the crosswalk, forcing bicyclists and pedestrians into traffic b. Fourth Street should include a bike path and sidewalk between Hetherton and Tamalpais. c. Mission Avenue - We understand that there will be no improvements at the current time, however, we request that the section of road between Hetherton and Tamalpais be designated in the soon -to -be -adopted Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan as a multi -use path. d. Hetherton to West Tamalpais We understand that the City is including a pathway treatment on the south side of Fourth Street and would appreciate having the opportunity to review the design plans for this section. e. West Tamalpais options We recommend bicycle boulevard treatments for the North South Greenway in two different subsections: i. Second Street to Fourth Street: We recommend a 'Bicycle Boulevard" treatment for the entire section from Second Street to Fourth Street which would include: bicycle advance boxes at all intersections, removal of a single vehicular parking space closest to each intersection on the right, sharrow pavement markings, and share the road signage. ii. Fourth Street to Mission Avenue: We recommend a'Bicycle Boulevard" from Fourth Street to Mission Avenue using the treatments described above; and planning for a Class I pathway along the south side of Tamalpais if there is sufficient Right -of -Way. If this is not going to be done now, we request that this be put in to the updated Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. B. Northgate We see the Northgate project area breaking down into essentially five subprojects. 1. Las Gallinas from Las Colindas Road to Freitas Parkway. 2. The Northgate Promenade from Freitas Parkway and Las Gallinas to the Terra Linda Recreation Center. 3. The Northgate Promenade and the North South Bikeway on Las Gallinas from Freitas Parkway to Northgate Drive, 4. Class II bicycle lane treatment from Las Gallinas and Northgate Drive along Northgate Drive to Ranchitos and Northgate Drive. S. The Northgate Promenade -North South Bikeway on Las Gallinas from Northgate Drive to Merrydale overpass. Transportation Alternatives for Marin has previously submitted recommendations for these sections and we are outlining them here again. Our recommendation is to have each of the alternatives below be included in the alternatives analysis, and then a preferred recommendation be made to the City Council. 1. Las Gallinas from Las Colindas Road to Freitas Parkway. There seems to be a unanimous agreement that the Class II treatment that is on Las Gallinas to the north should be continued all the way down Las Gallinas from Las Colindas Road to Freitas Parkway. We agree with the City's proposal. This project could be initiated immediately. 2. The Northgate Promenade from Freitas Parkway and Las Gallinas to the Terra Linda Recreation Center. a. Expand the current sidewalk to approximately twice as wide, creating a multiuse path in compliance with Caltrans Design Guidelines 1000.3.5 on each side of Freitas Parkway. i. This has been used in Boulder, Colorado to create green (non -demolition) and cost-effective (adding to the current infrastructure) connections in non - motorized networks. b. The multi -use pathway treatment would be done on both sides of Freitas Parkway from Las Gallinas to Del Ganado. c. Curb and stripe a Class Il bike lane from Las Gallinas to Del Ganado on each side of Freitas Parkway. The City proposes a Class II bike lane, but no curbs. 3. Northgate Promenade/North-South Bikeway on Las Gallinas from Freitas Parkway to Northgate Drive. Important Note: We urge staff to remove this particular section of Las Gallinas from the projects to be submitted at the February 171h Council Meeting. As we discussed during our meeting on January 29, 2009, various parking configurations may still be possible to enable improvement along this pinch point and confluence of shopping, services, schools, and main commuter/transportation thoroughfare in the North-South Greenway. It is our understanding that arrangements with property owners along this section of road could potentially yield additional right-of-way. We ask that just this section be removed and studied separately, thus enabling the remainder of the Northgate/Las Gallinas projects to move forward as planned. We look forward to a site visit in this area to further refine potential solutions. a. The alternatives to this extremely important block are outlined in the ATTACHMENT at the end of this document. The two alternatives are: i. Retain existing conditions. ii. Add separated non -motorized accommodation on one side, Class II on the other side, remove parking from one side. b. We also recommend connecting the non -motorized accommodation from Las Gallinas (Northgate Promenade/North South Bikeway) to Northgate 1 at Nova Albion and at Northgate Drive. c. This section of Las Gallinas should be taken out of the "fast tracked" NTPP projects and should be further planned. 4. Northgate Drive from Las Gallinas to Ranchitos a. We recommend Class II bicycle lanes on each side of the street for the entire distance. S. Northgate Promenade/North-South Bikeway. Las Gallinas from Northgate Drive to Merrydale Overpass. a. Provide Class II bicycle lanes on each side of Las Gallinas from Northgate Drive to Merrydale Overpass (along Las Gallinas). b. Provide Class II bicycle lanes on both sides of Northgate Drive from Las Gallinas to Ranchitos. C. East Francisco Boulevard During the January 26th public meeting, preliminary design details for the East Francisco Boulevard project were revealed. MCBC and Transportation Alternatives for Marin were unfortunately not invited to be part of the stakeholder group that made design decisions about Phase I of the project. Our comments are as follows: • We cannot support a design for a sub -standard pathway that drops to 4 feet in some sections. It was indicated that the average sidewalk width would be between 6 and 8 feet, with some obstructions by utility poles, thus providing additional restriction of the right-of-way. The intent to share this facility with bicycle and pedestrians at this width greatly concerns us, and does not come close to Caltrans design standards. • Reduction in width of the auto travel lanes- several were 12 and 13 feet - could be reduced to widen the pathway. We'd like to see this explored. • MCBC and TAM want to discuss this project with the City before the 580 project goes out to bid. We know that the City and Transportation Authority of Marin would like this project to go out in March, but at the moment Proposition 1B funds are frozen so there will be delays to this project, thus providing the time to meet and discuss. • MCBC and TAM would like the City to create a public process for the East Francisco Boulevard project. As part of the $500,000 NTPP funds are for public outreach and stakeholder groups, we feel that it is appropriate and necessary to convene stakeholders for this extremely difficult section of roadway. We have a chance to build several model projects (funded by the Non -Motorized Transportation Pilot Program) that are all part of Marin's primary non -motorized network. With vision and cooperation, these can be high quality projects that will make our County and our community a better place to live. In addition, the City has real funding to build these projects -- $1.55 million ($600,000 from NTPP for Mission to Transit Center, $350,000 from NTPP from Transit Center to Anderson, and $600,000 from MTC's regional bicycle program for the Mission to Transit Center section). MCBC and TAM want to work together with the City to build a connected and safe bicycle and pedestrian system. By creating a network, the City will vastly improve our non - motorized transportation system with the associated health, mobility, and environmental benefits. Respectfully submitted, Sincerely, David Hoffman, Director of Planning Patrick Seidler, President Marin County Bicycle Coalition Transportation Alternatives for Marin 415-456-3469x4# 415-389-5040x24 Cc: Mayor Al Boro, City of San Rafael Jude Dictado, City of San Rafael Department of Public Works EXISTING CONDITIONS SOUTH Las Gallinas From Freitas Parkway to Norgtgate Drive Paking Travel tan? Travel Carve Parking sidawaik =5d' 77-77 Aftemat`ive #1 � -54 5Wa alk parking 'travel Lanes Painted Sidewalk Remove parking ftm one side,.�.. Segregation Glass It bike lame northbound, separated by palnt,:�— Class II Bike Paths Class II bike Iane southbound 3 g HABIT G Dear, owners and businesses, Attached is a petition opposing the elimination of the turn lane nearest the curb and your businesses. This is to be replaced by a 8 foot path and a 4 foot planting area as is more fully explained inside. Please read it, and if you approve of the petition, sign. I have enclosed a list of those who have signed thus far. The San Rafael City Council will take up this matter on Tuesday the 17 of February at 8:00 pm at the Council Chamber, 1400 Fifth Avenue. I urge you to attend and voice your opinion. I will try to pick up your signed copies this afternoon. Sincerely, Darr Murray 307-3433 A petition by the owners and businesses on East Francisco Boulevard between Bellam and Vivian Streets Phase One of the Francisco Blvd East project calls for the elimination of one lane of traffic on East Francisco between Bellam and Vivian. There are currently four lanes; the street would then go to three lanes. The eliminated lane would be turned into an 8 foot path plus an approximately 4 foot planting area including curb (see attached diagram). When traveling north on Bellam under the freeway and then turning west onto East Francisco the two turning lanes would merge down to one lane before Burger King. We, the businesses of the above property, believe that this project will economically damage us. The elimination of one lane of traffic will cause more congestion, especially at peak traffic hours. Access to the businesses will be impaired and in some cases parking will be eliminated. The design of this project was completed without the notification of the above property owners and businesses. After the plans had been completed they were presented to some of the owners as a fiat accompli. During the design phase; no notification was given. No public input was sought. The businesses did not have an opportunity to say how this project would economically affect them. It is ironic that attempted development in the form of more intensive use in the area was denied in the past: the reason given by the city was that the Bellam-East Francisco intersection was one of the busiest in the city and that further development would exacerbate an already bad situation. It is hard to understand how eliminating one lane will improve the situation. It is not clear whether the project requires an EIR or if a negative declaration was posted and the public was allowed to comment or whether proper traffic studies were done. Two additional points should be made: the East Francisco project is an ancillary route. The main north -south bike route through southern San Rafael is on the other side of 101 along Anderson. The Phase Two portion of the project running from Vivian to Second along East Francisco has been designed but has no funding. If it is not funded, the Phase one portion, if and when built, may end up being a bike path to nowhere. It appears the expediency of a narrow window of federal funding may have overridden the consideration and concerns of those most affected by this action. EAST FRANCISCO BLVD., BELLAM TO VIVIAN (LOOKING 'NORTH) TYPICAL CROSS SECTIONS NO SCALE `�a RM RW 00 f ..r C). i T$' P16FROF%RTY EXISTING CONDITIONS 4�/' I p WIDE SIDEWALK ON EAST SIDE AW Vor EXIST PROPERTY 0"OFLATTER //rr OC TO COWORY� IVEW Q;Ke-�Zdest�.` pc,r,Ni✓`a Y— mtlm �- T$' P16FROF%RTY EXISTING CONDITIONS 4�/' I p WIDE SIDEWALK ON EAST SIDE AW Vor EXIST PROPERTY 0"OFLATTER //rr OC TO COWORY� IVEW Q;Ke-�Zdest�.` pc,r,Ni✓`a Y— We, the undersigned, oppose Phase One of the Francisco Blvd Bast project. We were not consulted or involved in its design as required by due process. Its implementation and construction will hurt us financially. Sinccrr-eTy, Signature Business or Owner Address 01/11( Dear Councilmember, Attached is a petition signed by a majority of Real Property Owners and Tenants along the 3 block portion of E. Francisco Blvd opposing the proposed improvements for the bike and traffic restrictions. The City Council will be asked to approve this plan at the February 17 Council Meeting. Thank you for taking the time to review this petition before the meeting. We, the potentially harmed owners of properties along E. Francisco Blvd. were not adequately informed about the scope of the project, the economic impact, and the traffic impact. We provide the attached PDF to show our petition and will provide further signatures from other property owners as well as more attendees at said meeting. Regards,, ✓ ' " F George F. Wagner Jr. wa/A� On behalf of the affected property owners of E. Francisco Blvd. Iy��14RTC n Ic F Q �Y 0 alta PLANNING ♦ DESIGN MEETING SUMMARY EWIIBIT H Puerto Suello Path -Transit Center Connector Mahon Creek Path -Transit Center Connector Northgate Gap Closure Improvements Terra Linda North San Rafael Improvements Francisco Boulevard East Improvements DATE: January 26, 2009 LOCATION: City of San Rafael City Council Chambers 1400 5a' Avenue San Rafael, CA TIME: 6:00 PM to 7:50 PM In attendance: City of San Rafael Staff: Nader Mansourian, Department of Public Works Suvra Chakrabarti , Department of Public Works Jude Dictado, Department of Public Works Leslie Morris, Department of Public Works Consulting Team: Michael Jones, Alta Planning + Design Holly Dabral, Alta Planning + Design Dan Blomquist, Kimley-Horn & Associates Mike McNeeley, Nolte Associates Attendees: Jon Curtis Rocky Birdsey Barb Stokes Jonathan Toste Sara Sonnet Ben Hadar Judy Schrieber Scott Stokes Bill Carney Kate Powers Shawn Curtin Bill Whitney Kel Harris Stefan Steinbech Cheryl Douglas Linda Jackson Steve Dana Chris Morris Mark Birnbaum Steven Leonardi Craig Adams Mary Carol Winkler Taso Manitsas Craig Murray Matt Sullivan Ted Hayclen D. Murray Maureen Gaffney Thomas Horne Dan Cherrier Michael Gaspers Dan Dawson Michael Parsons David Hoffman Mike Fryer Deb Hubsmith Miles Raphael Dirk Brinkerhoff Nancy Mackie Don Magdanz Neal Osborne Duan Macylan Patrick Seidler Dwayne Price Peter Hively G. O'Sullivan Peter Hoch Glenn Koorhan Philip Slack Greg Brockbank Preston McCoy Hugo Landecker Ray Lorber Indi Young Richard Schweider Jerry Belletto Rick Clund Joanne Webster Robert Cook